A CPAP chin strap is a very effective tool for apnea suffers who use CPAP therapy and tend to sleep with their mouths open. The strap works to keep the mouth shut during sleep, which can significantly increase the effectiveness of apnea treatment. It also helps to prevent dry throat and nasal symptoms in the morning.
Why you need a CPAP Chin Strap
Breathing through the nose is the recommended way to sleep, however, many people with apnea are mouth br
eathers because of issues with jaw structure or nasal congestion. If you suffer from a nasal obstruction, such as a deviated septum, you should speak with your sleep specialist.
Mouth breathing has been proven to have an adverse effect on CPAP therapy because the air administered by the machine cannot get through the airways with the right amount of pressure.
Dry mouth and a sore throat are other side effects that can result from sleeping with your mouth open. If your partner has reported that you do in fact sleep with your mouth open, you can try to learn how to sleep with your mouth shut, but it’s a lot harder than you’d think. Another option is to use a full face CPAP mask, which makes it almost impossible for your mouth to fall open during sleep. Many people choose not to use this option because the full face masks are uncomfortable and invasive. Others simply cannot afford the high price for this style of mask.
Lastly, you can try the CPAP chin strap. The chin strap will wrap around the head and sit snuggly under the jaw. These devices are usually pretty affordable. If your physician writes you a prescription for a chin strap your health insurance will cover the cost. All models of chin straps are adjustable and able to accommodate heavier patients.
It can take some time getting used to sleeping with your mouth closed. You can also have difficulty sleeping with the chin strap because they’re designed to be worn with a tight fight and this can be hard to adjust to. You should not order a chin strap online, because you will need to try on different styles and brands. A medical supply store will carry a variety of chin straps. The staff can help you put one on and adjust it. They can also point out the more popular brands or the type of straps that are covered by your insurance.
What if the Apnea Chin Strap Doesn’t Work?
If you have tried using this device without success then your next step will be the full face apnea mask. As mentioned before, these masks are pretty expensive and many users will stop CPAP treatment because they tend to be uncomfortable. However, they’re definitely worth a shot if you’re still experiencing sleepless nights or increased fatigue during the day.
